This afternoon, GM Mike Gillis spoke with Team 1040 in Vancouver about how the process is going and while he wouldn’t confirm Tortorella is their guy, he said all the right things pointing towards him.

“We’re trying to finish off the process,” Gillis said. “I can’t say at this point, but John (Tortorella) is a very strong candidate.”

Obviously with Tortorella there’s the aspect of working peaceably with the media that comes into question. Gillis was eager to tip-toe around that part of the job when it comes to the new coach.

“It’s important (to work with the media). We’re under the microscope all the time. We’re in the spotlight, we accept that.”

He also stressed that it’s not a one-way relationship as well.

“I think you (media) guys have an obligation to work with us as best you can. It’s a two-way street.”